Project Grant K99NS140635

This $121,554 Project Grant awarded by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) under the Extramural Research Programs in the Neurosciences and Neurological Disorders (CFDA 93.853) supports research investigating the role of the RNA-binding protein KIF5A in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The key objectives are to: (1) examine how ALS-related mutations in KIF5A impact the proteotoxic pathway, (2) explore the interactions between KIF5A and other ALS-associated genes and RNA targets, and (3) evaluate the effects of KIF5A mutations on transcription, RNA localization, and RNA-binding protein (RBP)-RNA interactions using spinal organoid models. The research aims to uncover novel mechanisms of RNA processing misregulation in ALS and establish the research program of the principal investigator as an independent researcher focused on understanding RNA transport in neurodegenerative disorders. The project will be conducted at the University of California, San Diego over the period from January 1, 2025 to December 31, 2026.